St. James Catholic Church
Vancouver, Washington
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More than 100 years of service to the Vancouver community, combined with declining membership, poor update choices and neglect had left the property and buildings of St. James in very poor condition. Once the centerpiece of the Catholic community, the parish was in danger of closure. In the late 1990's a determined effort to bring the parish back to a thriving community began. All three buildings were in need of repair to the brick-work, roofs and heating systems. The glorious stained glass windows needed cleaning, broken panes replaced and storm windows installed. The grounds needed a fresh appearance. With the generous support of the St. James community and determined hard work, we have accomplished much in the last eight years. Each building has received the needed roof and brick repair. The Church and rectory have had new heating and cooling systems installed. |
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A plaza, complete with fountain and statue of Our Lady of Vancouver, was created to provide beauty and a place for quiet contemplation in the center of the grounds. Fencing was put up to provide security to the grounds while other improvements were implemented. The rectory and parish hall have been repainted and updated to provide a decent living space for our pastor, office space for our staff and areas for religious education classes and social activities. |
Our Lady of Vancouver |
Fourteen of the stained glass windows have been removed, repaired and returned with storm windows over them. They will provide light and beauty to our liturgies for the next 100 years and beyond!
Our beautiful Stations of the Cross have been similarly refurbished. The statues in the Church - all original - have been cleaned and repaired. All with an eye for the original detail.
We have repaired and restored, not updated. |
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The lathe and plaster walls were pealing away. Worn carpet of red and green created an unsightly area for worship. The tile on the floor was backed with asbestos and needed removal. While our previous improvements could be accomplished a little at a time and as finances allowed, we would not be so lucky with the interior of the church. |
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In the fall of 2007 we began a capital campaign to raise the funds to achieve our goal. As always, the generous response of our parishioners was quick. In March of 2008 we moved Mass to our parish hall and began the immense task of restoration. All moveable objects were taken from the church. Pews were taken away and restored. An asbestos abatement team removed the dangerous tile and the walls were treated with fiberglass. Next, a team of artists came in and painted the walls and ceiling. Gone was the ugly, drab green. St. James became a vision of ivory, blue and gold. Natural stone was laid in the floor. The restored pews were returned and by mid-September we had returned to our Church. |
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Today, St. James is a growing community. Our parishioners are from all over the Portland-Vancouver area. Visitors seek our traditional setting and historic significance; they stay because they love us! We enjoy the history we share with the city of Vancouver, Clark County and - not least - the Catholic Church. We are listed on the National Historic Registry.
A Message from the Archbishop |
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Our future plans include a new heating/cooling system and a lift for the parish hall. We would like to make our restrooms accessible to all our parishioners - including those that find our many stairs difficult. There are still twenty windows to be cleaned and repaired. We thank God for the opportunity to praise Him with our work and sacrifices as we restored St. James for His Glory. Return to Home Page |
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The interior of the church, while beautiful, was in desperate need as well. 
